General Information
Each trout lily flower opens in late morning or early afternoon, follows the sun, and closes at dusk, so to see the open flowers go in the afternoon. If it is raining heavily or very dark and cloudy in the morning, the flowers may stay closed into the afternoon, but if the sun comes out later in the afternoon, they may open then. Each individual flower re-opens for several days, with overall numbers of flowers in bloom beginning gradually, increasing, peaking, then declining over the course of a few weeks. Depending on the winter weather the overall bloom may be anywhere from three or four weeks long, usually encompassing mid-February, rarely into March. Once the bloom has finished for the year any remaining guided tours will be cancelled and the gate will be locked. Once the season ends access to the property is permitted only in the following circumstances.
The trout lilies grow on a slope, so visitors need to wear boots or shoes WITH TREADS that may get damp or muddy. Bring a walking stick if desired. Some sparkleberry walking sticks are provided for visitor use during your time at the preserve and you can purchase one with a donation. The trails may be slippery when wet, please proceed with caution.
Cameras are highly recommended! Please take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints. You may want to bring a hand lens or magnifying glass to look at the tiny twayblade orchids or small parts of other flowers. You can actually take photos through these lenses, if you don't have a close-up camera lens.
Unfortunately, there is no access for people with significantly limited mobility who cannot complete a walk of several hundred yards on a slope. If you have minor limitations, be sure to come on a day and experience our upper trail and bring a walking stick or cane. You probably will want to stay on the wider trail to the best views or walk along the upper trail. We have had very happy 90+ year old visitors, but only you can decide what is best for you.
There is a parking area inside the gate. Vehicles used by visitors (cars, trucks, four-wheelers, bicycles, motorcycles, etc.) are not allowed on the property beyond the designated parking area. Limited use of vehicles beyond the designated parking area by volunteers are permitted for the purposes of trail maintenance and parking access.
Visitors are asked to sign in with the volunteer greeters or at the kiosk. There are changes on the trail this year. Due to erosion, we have developed a new trail opposite the upper trail that winds down the natural contours of the slope. We have completed new maps, available to download and also pay attention to the flagging. (You can also find/print a copy from our Directions/Maps page.) For a short walk to the best views, go straight down the wide trail to our bench and come back the same way. Other trails are marked for those who want to enjoy a longer walk. You can make a large loop by continuing on either side of the upper trails. At some point you will have a lovely view of Wolf Creek, then continue uphill and can exit out the driveway, or turn right onto the upper trail, with overlook views. This trail includes tiny twayblade orchids. Or as you leave the parking area, enter the trail and soon turn right or left onto the upper trail, to make the loop. The Orchid Loop is off to the left as you go down the wide trail, which wanders thru an area with two other species of orchid plants (not blooming) and other interesting habitats and plants not found on the main loop. The orchid loop comes out at the bottom of the trail in the flood plain (lower trail).
The lower trail wanders through shrubbery and can get muddy after rains, so if you want to stay on a more established trail, we recommend you turn around at the bottom of the orchid loop. On the upper trail (where there are good overviews) you can go back or exit to the road and walk back to the parking area rather than continuing down slope.
You may also walk south of the parking area towards Trillium Creek in a fairly open area with some large patches of trillium and rain lilies (not blooming yet), but few or no trout lilies. The small creek is quite delightful, and this is a very quiet and peaceful area. This trail has been extended and is a nice area to walk if you want to come late morning while you wait for the trout lilies to open for the day.
More people come on the weekends, so if you come weekdays, it may not be as crowded.
Each trout lily flower opens in late morning or early afternoon, follows the sun, and closes at dusk, so to see the open flowers go in the afternoon. If it is raining heavily or very dark and cloudy in the morning, the flowers may stay closed into the afternoon, but if the sun comes out later in the afternoon, they may open then. Each individual flower re-opens for several days, with overall numbers of flowers in bloom beginning gradually, increasing, peaking, then declining over the course of a few weeks. Depending on the winter weather the overall bloom may be anywhere from three or four weeks long, usually encompassing mid-February, rarely into March. Once the bloom has finished for the year any remaining guided tours will be cancelled and the gate will be locked. Once the season ends access to the property is permitted only in the following circumstances.
- Planned invasive plant removal workdays
- Announced planned activities
- Approved visitor request
- Please email Margaret Tyson at mtyson613@gmail.com if you have a request for access.
The trout lilies grow on a slope, so visitors need to wear boots or shoes WITH TREADS that may get damp or muddy. Bring a walking stick if desired. Some sparkleberry walking sticks are provided for visitor use during your time at the preserve and you can purchase one with a donation. The trails may be slippery when wet, please proceed with caution.
Cameras are highly recommended! Please take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints. You may want to bring a hand lens or magnifying glass to look at the tiny twayblade orchids or small parts of other flowers. You can actually take photos through these lenses, if you don't have a close-up camera lens.
Unfortunately, there is no access for people with significantly limited mobility who cannot complete a walk of several hundred yards on a slope. If you have minor limitations, be sure to come on a day and experience our upper trail and bring a walking stick or cane. You probably will want to stay on the wider trail to the best views or walk along the upper trail. We have had very happy 90+ year old visitors, but only you can decide what is best for you.
There is a parking area inside the gate. Vehicles used by visitors (cars, trucks, four-wheelers, bicycles, motorcycles, etc.) are not allowed on the property beyond the designated parking area. Limited use of vehicles beyond the designated parking area by volunteers are permitted for the purposes of trail maintenance and parking access.
Visitors are asked to sign in with the volunteer greeters or at the kiosk. There are changes on the trail this year. Due to erosion, we have developed a new trail opposite the upper trail that winds down the natural contours of the slope. We have completed new maps, available to download and also pay attention to the flagging. (You can also find/print a copy from our Directions/Maps page.) For a short walk to the best views, go straight down the wide trail to our bench and come back the same way. Other trails are marked for those who want to enjoy a longer walk. You can make a large loop by continuing on either side of the upper trails. At some point you will have a lovely view of Wolf Creek, then continue uphill and can exit out the driveway, or turn right onto the upper trail, with overlook views. This trail includes tiny twayblade orchids. Or as you leave the parking area, enter the trail and soon turn right or left onto the upper trail, to make the loop. The Orchid Loop is off to the left as you go down the wide trail, which wanders thru an area with two other species of orchid plants (not blooming) and other interesting habitats and plants not found on the main loop. The orchid loop comes out at the bottom of the trail in the flood plain (lower trail).
The lower trail wanders through shrubbery and can get muddy after rains, so if you want to stay on a more established trail, we recommend you turn around at the bottom of the orchid loop. On the upper trail (where there are good overviews) you can go back or exit to the road and walk back to the parking area rather than continuing down slope.
You may also walk south of the parking area towards Trillium Creek in a fairly open area with some large patches of trillium and rain lilies (not blooming yet), but few or no trout lilies. The small creek is quite delightful, and this is a very quiet and peaceful area. This trail has been extended and is a nice area to walk if you want to come late morning while you wait for the trout lilies to open for the day.
More people come on the weekends, so if you come weekdays, it may not be as crowded.
The following items ARE PROHIBITED at Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve
- Removal of Plants
- Cutting of any plants
- Fires
- Trash
- Pets (other than Service Animals)
- Hunting
2024 Visitor Information
The preserve gates will open early February 2024 (date to be determined) and remain open through early March. The opening and bloom season is dependent upon the trout lily's emergence. Please check the Facebook page before coming as it is constantly being updated. You are welcome to visit the Trout Lily Preserve anytime between sunrise and sunset, however it is suggested that you visit in the afternoon as that is normally when the lilies are open. Since the blooms require sunshine, tours are offered in the afternoon hours. General days of operation with greeters will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM. If you have questions or interest in setting up a group tour, please contact
Margaret Tyson, (229) 378-7610 or email mtyson613@gmail.com
If you post pictures online, we ask that you use the following hash tags
#wolfcreek2024 #troutlily2024
The preserve gates will open early February 2024 (date to be determined) and remain open through early March. The opening and bloom season is dependent upon the trout lily's emergence. Please check the Facebook page before coming as it is constantly being updated. You are welcome to visit the Trout Lily Preserve anytime between sunrise and sunset, however it is suggested that you visit in the afternoon as that is normally when the lilies are open. Since the blooms require sunshine, tours are offered in the afternoon hours. General days of operation with greeters will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM. If you have questions or interest in setting up a group tour, please contact
Margaret Tyson, (229) 378-7610 or email mtyson613@gmail.com
If you post pictures online, we ask that you use the following hash tags
#wolfcreek2024 #troutlily2024
2024 Guided Tour Information
Over the last few years, Wolf Creek Trout Lily volunteers have collaborated with Whigham’s local 383 Boy Scout Troop where they have created both signage for our Wolf Creek Road entry, an information kiosk at the trail head, and benches along the trail. In 2019 Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve was awarded a grant by Golden Triangle RC&D for permanent signage, and in 2021 we were awarded a DNR Wildlife Viewing grant for QR signage that helps tell the story of Wolf Creek trout Lily Preserve. Visitors who bring a smart phone can access the inv=formation by pointing their camera on the QR code of each sign. Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve volunteers will be ready for the 2024 Bloom Season.
This year’s bloom season most likely will last through February. The trout lily flower opens in early afternoon depending on sunlight, so greeters are on site beginning around 12:30 pm on weekends and on selected days during the week. We will provide a limited number of guided tours this year and have volunteers available Friday- Sunday to answer questions.
If traveling more than a few hours and interested in visiting, contact Margaret Tyson at (229) 378-7610 or check our updates on our Facebook page.
The gates to the Preserve will be open throughout February for our visitors.
A reminder, please wear sturdy shoes that can grip mud, dress warmly and bring your camera. Pets (other than service animals) are not allowed. The full trail loop is hilly, and we offer an upper trail that is more accessible. This natural resource is unique and not to be missed. Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve is home to the most extensive mass of this species known anywhere in the world. They are very rare in the Coastal Plain. There is no entry fee to walk the trails; however, most all the upkeep and improvements on the property are paid through donations and grants.
The Whigham Community Club continues to embrace the Preserve and their members act as greeters for our visitors. The businesses in the community also are ready for the 2024 season and the Whigham Diner offers lunch each weekday and Thursday and Friday night supper. The Community Club may be selling Trout Lily
t-shirts. All the Whigham community welcomes visitors to Grady County.
The Volunteer Advisory Board of Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve is excited about all our improvements and is eager to welcome visitors for the 2024 Wolf Creek Trout Lily Bloom Season. This year we will have hand-held trail maps for our visitors and we are offering a new option for navigating the trails through an app called AVENZA. It is a free download and the Preserve trail map can be downloaded from our web page to your phone. Directions for using this app and other information about Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve, is available on our website: https://www.wolfcreektroutlilypreserve.org. For day to day updates and photos, follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/wolfcreektroutlilypreserve/ . We are encouraging visitors to post their photographs to Facebook using the hashtags #wolfcreek2024 or #troutlily2024.
We look forward to seeing you in Grady County and at the Preserve in February.
Over the last few years, Wolf Creek Trout Lily volunteers have collaborated with Whigham’s local 383 Boy Scout Troop where they have created both signage for our Wolf Creek Road entry, an information kiosk at the trail head, and benches along the trail. In 2019 Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve was awarded a grant by Golden Triangle RC&D for permanent signage, and in 2021 we were awarded a DNR Wildlife Viewing grant for QR signage that helps tell the story of Wolf Creek trout Lily Preserve. Visitors who bring a smart phone can access the inv=formation by pointing their camera on the QR code of each sign. Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve volunteers will be ready for the 2024 Bloom Season.
This year’s bloom season most likely will last through February. The trout lily flower opens in early afternoon depending on sunlight, so greeters are on site beginning around 12:30 pm on weekends and on selected days during the week. We will provide a limited number of guided tours this year and have volunteers available Friday- Sunday to answer questions.
If traveling more than a few hours and interested in visiting, contact Margaret Tyson at (229) 378-7610 or check our updates on our Facebook page.
The gates to the Preserve will be open throughout February for our visitors.
A reminder, please wear sturdy shoes that can grip mud, dress warmly and bring your camera. Pets (other than service animals) are not allowed. The full trail loop is hilly, and we offer an upper trail that is more accessible. This natural resource is unique and not to be missed. Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve is home to the most extensive mass of this species known anywhere in the world. They are very rare in the Coastal Plain. There is no entry fee to walk the trails; however, most all the upkeep and improvements on the property are paid through donations and grants.
The Whigham Community Club continues to embrace the Preserve and their members act as greeters for our visitors. The businesses in the community also are ready for the 2024 season and the Whigham Diner offers lunch each weekday and Thursday and Friday night supper. The Community Club may be selling Trout Lily
t-shirts. All the Whigham community welcomes visitors to Grady County.
The Volunteer Advisory Board of Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve is excited about all our improvements and is eager to welcome visitors for the 2024 Wolf Creek Trout Lily Bloom Season. This year we will have hand-held trail maps for our visitors and we are offering a new option for navigating the trails through an app called AVENZA. It is a free download and the Preserve trail map can be downloaded from our web page to your phone. Directions for using this app and other information about Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve, is available on our website: https://www.wolfcreektroutlilypreserve.org. For day to day updates and photos, follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/wolfcreektroutlilypreserve/ . We are encouraging visitors to post their photographs to Facebook using the hashtags #wolfcreek2024 or #troutlily2024.
We look forward to seeing you in Grady County and at the Preserve in February.
Volunteer/Tour Leader Bios
|
Beth Grant - Thomasville
Naturalist, President and Founder of the Friends of Lost Creek Forest and Longtime Volunteer Leader at Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve |
Dan Miller - Tallahassee
Founder of Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve, Owner of Trillium Gardens in Tallahasseee |
Wilson Baker - Tallahassee
Founder of Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve and Florida Native Plant Society |
|
Jan Blue Anglin - Tallahassee
Magnolia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society Board, Longtime Volunteer at Wolf Creek |
Dr. Ann Johnson - Tallahassee
Magnolia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society & Florida Natural Areas Inventory Botanist |
Margaret Tyson - Cairo
Naturalist, Volunteer at Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve, |
Open daily, best viewing in the afternoon.
We will provide a limited number of group tours this year. Because COVID still lives, we ask you respect others' personal space. We will have volunteers available on many days to assist and answer questions.
The gates will remain open throughout February. Visiting during the afternoon hours of 1:00 and 5:30 pm offers the best time to view trout lilies.
Dates and times may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Updates will be posted ASAP on the Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve Facebook page.
The gates will remain open throughout February. Visiting during the afternoon hours of 1:00 and 5:30 pm offers the best time to view trout lilies.
Dates and times may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Updates will be posted ASAP on the Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve Facebook page.
New Trails at Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve (2024)
Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve has new trail signs – bring your smart phone and learn more about the Preserve, its history, and its habitat. Look for signs with a QR Code, and the QR App on your phone opens text providing more information.
Many visitors are familiar with the trail layout; however, we have redesigned a portion of the trail in order to decrease erosion and make your hiking experience safe. We have created a new map, but all trails are flagged and showcase the diversity of terrain and plants at the Preserve.
The options for walking the trails at Wolf Creek are as follows:
Upper Trail (yellow/right)– enter at the main trail and a short distance down slope, the trail to the right follows just below the top edge of the trout lily slope. At trails end, a left turn takes you down slope to Wolf Creek and the Lower Trail, and a right turn takes you up slope to the service road for a short walk back to the parking lot.
Upper Trail (pink/left) – enter at the main trail and take the trail to the left, which follows the contours of the slope downhill and joins the Orchid Trail (see signage). For a shorter hike, turn right on the Orchid Trail, which returns to the main trail after passing through beautiful slope forest habitat. For a longer hike, continue to the left on the Orchid Trail (see signage), which continues down slope then meanders to the right and eventually joins the Lower Trail (yellow). A spur off the Orchid Trail goes to Wolf Creek and to the Green Fly Orchid on a Magnolia tree overhanging the creek.
Main Trail to Wooden Bench (orange) – this short hike follows the main trail down slope and after a right turn, ends at a newly installed bench that offers a panoramic view of the trout lilies.
Lower Trail (yellow)– this trail is accessed via the end of either the Upper Trail or the Orchid Trail. Be aware that this trail may likely be muddy and, depending on rainfall, parts of it may be underwater.
Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve has new trail signs – bring your smart phone and learn more about the Preserve, its history, and its habitat. Look for signs with a QR Code, and the QR App on your phone opens text providing more information.
Many visitors are familiar with the trail layout; however, we have redesigned a portion of the trail in order to decrease erosion and make your hiking experience safe. We have created a new map, but all trails are flagged and showcase the diversity of terrain and plants at the Preserve.
The options for walking the trails at Wolf Creek are as follows:
Upper Trail (yellow/right)– enter at the main trail and a short distance down slope, the trail to the right follows just below the top edge of the trout lily slope. At trails end, a left turn takes you down slope to Wolf Creek and the Lower Trail, and a right turn takes you up slope to the service road for a short walk back to the parking lot.
Upper Trail (pink/left) – enter at the main trail and take the trail to the left, which follows the contours of the slope downhill and joins the Orchid Trail (see signage). For a shorter hike, turn right on the Orchid Trail, which returns to the main trail after passing through beautiful slope forest habitat. For a longer hike, continue to the left on the Orchid Trail (see signage), which continues down slope then meanders to the right and eventually joins the Lower Trail (yellow). A spur off the Orchid Trail goes to Wolf Creek and to the Green Fly Orchid on a Magnolia tree overhanging the creek.
Main Trail to Wooden Bench (orange) – this short hike follows the main trail down slope and after a right turn, ends at a newly installed bench that offers a panoramic view of the trout lilies.
Lower Trail (yellow)– this trail is accessed via the end of either the Upper Trail or the Orchid Trail. Be aware that this trail may likely be muddy and, depending on rainfall, parts of it may be underwater.
A special THANK YOU to all our volunteers who give of their time to make each season enjoyable to all.
The Cities of Whigham and Cairo Welcome Trout Lily Visitors
We would be happy for you to visit us!
We would be happy for you to visit us!
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Whigham Diner- Join us for a meal!!
Located at the red light in Whigham Monday - Friday serving lunch, Thursday-Friday Supper |
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L-Three Gifts at Bonds
Located on Main Street in Whigham We are open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm daily, Saturday's 8:00 - 12:00 pm Contact (229) 762-4444 |
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Mr. Chick
1125 38th Blvd NE (Hwy 84) Cairo Open Monday-Saturday 10:30 AM-9:00 PM |
First & Broad Pizza Company
4 S Broad St. Cairo Open Daily 11:00 AM-9:00 PM |
Punky's
141 S Broad St. Cairo Open Monday- Saturday 11:00 AM-11:00 PM |
This is Home for Us
116 W. Broad Ave.
Whigham
Open Wednesday 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM,
Open Thursday & Friday 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Open Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
116 W. Broad Ave.
Whigham
Open Wednesday 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM,
Open Thursday & Friday 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Open Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Visit Downtown Cairo
Roddenbery Memorial Library, Grady County Historical Museum, Miss Myrt's, Gate 16
Roddenbery Memorial Library, Grady County Historical Museum, Miss Myrt's, Gate 16